How to File a Cerebral Palsy Case

Cerebral Palsy is an illness that lasts for Cerebral palsy an entire life time and requires medical care. Children suffering from CP are typically seen by a pediatrician, along with a physical medicine specialist. The doctors will conduct a thorough physical examination and will take a complete medical history, and conduct tests like MRI or CT scans.

A trusted cerebral palsy lawyer can assist families in obtaining fair compensation for their child's lifetime requirements. Contact us today to schedule a free case review.

Diagnosis

Cerebral palsy is a disorder that affects the ability to move, balance and coordinate. It results from damage or abnormalities in parts of the brain that control the movement of muscles. It typically manifests before or shortly after birth.

Doctors can diagnose cerebral palsy based on a child's symptoms and medical history, physical exam milestones, growth and results of diagnostic tests. They can refer the toddler, infant or child to specialists, such as a pediatric orthopedist, neurologists and physiatrists. Blood tests, urine tests and skin can also be ordered.

Babies with CP might exhibit delayed developmental milestones stiff muscles, exaggerated reactions that aren't found in normal babies. They also might have low Apgar scores, which may suggest oxygen deprivation. It isn't easy to recognize the condition in babies that are still developing. A final diagnosis is typically made by age two. The earlier a child is diagnosed the more effective treatment options will be. Many families are able to seek out support groups, organizations and counseling services for their children.

Symptoms

The symptoms of cerebral palsy are usually noticed in the beginning of childhood. They are caused by damage to the brain area that regulates the body's posture and movements. This damage is not reversible and affects muscles and body movements.

Children suffering from dyskinetic cerebral paralysis have uncontrolled, jerky movements in their hands, feet, and arms. They may also have difficulty reaching for objects, picking them up and coloring with crayons. They might get swollen, have trouble keeping their balance, and walk on tiptoe.

The most commonly used type of CP is ataxic, which results in disorganized and clumsy movements. Hypotonic CP is characterized by low muscle tone and a rag-doll-like movement of the legs and arms.

Doctors usually diagnose a child with CP in the first two years of life, unless it is mild or asymptomatic, in which case they may make a diagnosis when the child is four or five years old. To reduce the risk of developing CP women should be immunized prior to pregnancy against diseases that may cause brain damage in the fetus, like rubella and German measles. It is essential to take care of all pregnant mothers to avoid complications like premature birth and an infant who is overweight.

Treatment

Cerebral palsy is caused by any issue that can hinder brain development, from infections in pregnancy to complications during labor and birth to head injuries. Cerebral palsy occurs more frequently for babies born before 32 weeks or having babies who are overweight at birth. Maternal febrile illness during pregnancy rubella (German measles) and cytomegalovirus infections can trigger inflammation that harms the developing nervous system.

Each person's CP treatment plan differs for each patient. A pediatric specialist, physical and rehabilitation doctor or neurologist should supervise medical care and develop treatment plans that specifically address the symptoms and requirements.

To improve the function or ease discomfort, medications to ease muscle tightness are available. Surgery can be used to lengthen muscles that are stiff and contracted or to correct spinal issues such as an unnaturally bent back, especially in severe cases of CP.

Speech therapists assist children in learning to communicate or speak and also instruct parents how to help their child's communication. Recreational therapy involves children in fun activities to promote social interaction, self esteem and motor skill development.

Support

The proper support can make a enormous difference. Parents and children who suffer from cerebral palsy lawyers palsy will find a family of people who can relate to their experiences via an event in the local area or an online groups. Many groups also host events that raise awareness and funds to help treat the condition.

Teachers can assist children with cerebral palsy in the classroom. They can plan ahead for when students are unable to attend classes because of medical appointments or taking medicine. They can also make accommodations in the classroom to accommodate things like giving students extra time between classes or to take exams.

Adults with CP can seek out advice from an occupational therapist about independence, which includes housing, getting jobs and benefits. They can also talk with their doctor to determine if their medications are effective and cerebral palsy if there's something that could be making symptoms worse.

The Cerebral Palsy Research and Clinical Center of Michigan maintains a database of local experts in this condition. The database is available to those living in Michigan and allows them to search using insurance provider.

Legal Questions

Your cerebral palsy lawyer will assist you receive an equitable settlement from the medical professionals who are responsible for your child's injuries. The legal procedure is about gathering more evidence to prove that the medical providers and doctors involved in your child's birth injury committed malpractice, causing brain injuries and resulting in cerebral palsy.

Legal claims seek monetary compensation for the damages your family has endured and expected future expenses. It's also about making changes and further policies to prevent these injuries from occurring to any other children in the coming years.

Some parents fear that filing a lawsuit over medical malpractice could make them appear greedy, or as if they don't accept the child they have. The cost of caring for a CP patient can be in the millions.

It's important to consult with a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you can. The earlier you file your case the better. Every state has its own statute of limitations. A lawyer will discuss the laws in your area and what you should do next.